Respiratory infections in early childhood could be a potential risk factor for developing type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, reports JAMA Pediatrics.
The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide, the authors of the study reminded in the introduction to the article.
The disease is classified as an autoimmune disease, i.e. caused by an abnormal, aggressive reaction of the immune system to the body’s own tissues. In this case, the attack is directed at the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin – the hormone responsible for the metabolism of glucose in the body. When the majority (80-90%) of cells are destroyed and insulin deficiency is significant, type 1 diabetes is revealed. The disease manifests itself with dangerously high levels of glucose in the blood. It mainly develops in children and adolescents, but can also occur in adulthood, even in older age.
Experts estimate that type 1 diabetes accounts for approx. 15 percent. all cases of diabetes in the world.
The exact reasons why the immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas are not clear. It is known that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes, among which scientists previously mentioned infections.
A team of researchers from the Institute for Diabetes Research in Munich, Germany, conducted observations in a group of 148 children at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. During the first three years of life, information was collected on the infections (digestive, respiratory and other systems) that these occurred and it was regularly checked for the development of an autoimmune reaction to pancreatic beta cells, which is manifested by the presence of specific antibodies. The analysis included factors that could potentially influence the development of autoimmune diseases, such as the type of delivery (natural or caesarean section) and the use of antibiotics in the child.
It found that respiratory infections (especially of the upper respiratory tract – nose and throat) in the first year of life were associated with a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes in a child. Babies who had respiratory infections in the first six months after birth had 127 percent . higher risk of developing an autoimmune reaction against pancreatic beta cells. Infections between six and 12 months of age increased the risk by 32 percent.
According to the authors of the study, these results mean that respiratory infections in the first year of life may be a potential risk factor for developing type 1 diabetes in children at risk of developing it.
Researchers speculate that early vaccination against certain infectious diseases of the respiratory system could prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in children.
Unfortunately, researchers have not been able to identify one infectious agent that would have the greatest impact on the development of this disease. (PAP)
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